
What are the different types of siding?
Types of Siding
- Wood Siding. Wood siding is a popular option. ...
- Engineered Wood. Engineered wood is a great option that gives you the curb appeal of natural wood with long-lasting durability and protection for the exterior of your home.
- Fiber Cement Siding. ...
- Vinyl Siding. ...
- Metal Siding
How to choose the best siding for Your House?
How to Choose the Best Siding for Your House
- Wood Siding: A Traditional Choice with some Maintenance Requirements. Wood siding comes in a variety of styles. ...
- Pine and Cedar Siding. ...
- Wood Shingle Siding. ...
- Engineered Wood: A Good Compromise. ...
- Stone Veneer Siding: A Thin Layer that Looks Like Solid Masonry. ...
- Vinyl Siding: Great Value for Your Money. ...
- Fiber Cement: Durability and Versatility. ...
Which Wood is best?
- Alder (Red)
- Aspen
- Cedar (Red)
- Cottonwood
- Hemlock
- Pine (Lodgepole and White)
- Redwood
- Spruce (Sitka)
How to install vinyl siding over wood siding?
Installing Vinyl Siding Over Wood Siding
- Wood Must Be Sound. Existing wood siding must be in good shape, with no rot or mold, and fastened tightly to the wall sheathing or studs.
- Furring and Foam. Vinyl siding must be installed against a flat surface. ...
- Moisture Barrier. ...
- Adjust Frames. ...
- Fastening Strips. ...
- J-Channel and Utility Trim. ...
- Snap Panels. ...
- Keep Seams Apart. ...
- Use Lugs at Windows and Tops. ...

What are the wood panels on houses called?
The quickest way to side a house is to install exterior siding panels, also called sheet siding. The sides have shiplap edges so that one piece laps onto its neighbor.
What are the different kinds of wood siding?
Types of Wood Siding StylesShiplap Siding. Shiplap siding creates a weather-proof seal by laying or lapping part of a top board over a lower board. ... Shake Siding. Shake siding is created from thick, almost wedge-like shingles. ... Shingle Siding. ... Panels Siding. ... Split Log Siding. ... Tongue and Groove. ... Board and Batten.
What kind of wood siding is on my house?
The best way to tell what type of siding it is, is to go to an unfinished area like the attic, and look on the backside of the board to find the manufacturer's name or an AHA code (The American Hardboard Association). This will help you determine the manufacturer of the product and where it was made.
What are the 3 major types of board siding?
Risinger provides a helpful overview and his own opinions about three major categories of lap siding on the market today: vinyl, engineered wood, and fiber cement. Here's his take on the pros and cons for each option.
What is the old wood siding called?
ClapboardClapboard /ˈklæbərd/, also called bevel siding, lap siding, and weatherboard, with regional variation in the definition of these terms, is wooden siding of a building in the form of horizontal boards, often overlapping.
What is the best exterior wood siding?
Redwood is one of the most durable and preferred woods used in siding. The wood has very little resin, so it accepts stain or other finishes easily. The wood does not shrink as much as other types of wood, so it doesn't change shape as much. This reduces cupping and warping.
What 2 types of wood are most commonly used for siding?
Pine and cedar are the two main wood species used for exterior siding. Cedar types include eastern white cedar, red cedar, and Alaskan yellow cedar; each type has a color true to its name. While pine siding can be very affordable, it can't resist rot and insects like cedar can.
What are the boards on the outside of a house called?
Definition of Fascia board or fascia trim: The horizontal board running along the outer edge of a soffit, typically covered or mostly covered by a gutter on modern homes, is the fascia board.
What is the most popular house siding?
vinyl sidingThe low cost, versatility and easy maintenance of vinyl siding has helped it become the most popular siding choice in the United States.
What is horizontal wood siding called?
Clapboard sidingClapboard siding is often called lap, beveled, or horizontal siding and the most popular type.
What is the most durable exterior siding?
In terms of price, maintenance, and strength, vinyl siding is the most durable siding material to choose from. It's also available in many different colors and styles such as dutch lap, shake, scalloped and more.
What type of siding lasts the longest?
Vinyl siding is a popular choice when it comes to your home's cladding and actually lasts much longer than expected. With no effort or cleaning, it's expected to last you about 60 years but with meticulous care and maintenance, you can expect your vinyl siding to last up to 100 years.
What 2 types of wood are most commonly used for siding?
Pine and cedar are the two main wood species used for exterior siding. Cedar types include eastern white cedar, red cedar, and Alaskan yellow cedar; each type has a color true to its name. While pine siding can be very affordable, it can't resist rot and insects like cedar can.
What kind of wood is best for board and batten siding?
CedarCedar is a common choice for exterior board and batten siding, but other acceptable wood species include Cyprus, redwood, locust, white oak, and hemlock.
What are the boards on the outside of a house called?
Definition of Fascia board or fascia trim: The horizontal board running along the outer edge of a soffit, typically covered or mostly covered by a gutter on modern homes, is the fascia board.
Is board and batten siding expensive?
Board and batten can range anywhere between $5 and $12 per square foot while horizontal vinyl siding usually costs between $2 and $6 per square foot. Remember that price can differ depending on several factors, so it's best to check with your local roofer to get a better idea of what it would cost for you.
What is siding on a house?
Siding is then installed over the house wrap and is the outer covering or visible layer of a home. Siding is not only aesthetically important; it protects the exterior sheathing of a home from water and the elements. While other siding products have grown in popularity, wood remains the most popular choice for many builders. In fact, even as alternative materials to wood are growing in popularity, many of those alternatives are designed to replicate the look of wood.
Why is siding important?
Siding is not only aesthetically important; it protects the exterior sheathing of a home from water and the elements. While other siding products have grown in popularity, wood remains the most popular choice for many builders. In fact, even as alternative materials to wood are growing in popularity, many of those alternatives are designed ...
What is clapboard in a house?
Wood clapboard is traditionally found on older houses. Most homes today are built with frame construction. Exterior walls are typically framed with a wood skeleton that has a sheathing of plywood placed on the exterior side of the framed walls. House wrap is then installed to the exterior plywood. House wrap protects the exterior walls from ...
What is a rectangular plank siding?
Rectangular plank siding is similar to clapboard siding, except that the pieces are installed vertically. The joints between the planks are covered by pieces of wood known as batten to keep water from entering. Shingles give a home a classic, rustic look. Shingles are generally installed in an overlapping manner.
What can a contractor do to help with siding?
In addition, a professional contractor can help the homeowner determine which type and style of siding will work best with the owner’s budget, specific needs and preferences, and the architectural style of the home.
Is wood siding environmentally friendly?
Wood also provides some insulation value, is easy to paint or stain, and is typically easy to install. Some consumers also appreciate the fact that wood is a renewable resource and many consider it to be the more environmentally friendly among common siding materials.
Do shingles overlap?
Shingles are generally installed in an overlapping manner. However, many builders choose to arrange the shingles in patterns. Plywood siding is composed of several layers of wood veneer glued together.
What type of wood is used for siding?
This is a very common type of wood that is used for wood siding. Although it is a softwood, it does last for a long time and does a great job holding a finish, which means that homeowners don’t have to spend a lot of time or money on upkeep and maintenance. This is a great option if you are looking to replace your wood siding on a budget because pine is significantly less expensive than some of the other wood siding options that are available. If you are going to be staining or painting horizontal siding, then pine is a good wood to consider as it is easy to finish and will look great.
What is engineered wood siding?
Engineered wood siding is made from sawdust and wood chips that are combined and strengthened with special bonding agents.
What is fir siding?
Unlike pine, it is very easy to get fir siding in long lengths, which is ideal if you have a larger home and want to use pieces of wood without any breaks in them. Fir is very easy to install and will generally hold a finish very well without any problems. Because it is a softwood, it is easy to mill fir into a pattern without worrying about the wood splitting or breaking. This means that you can have your fir cut into a board-and-batten, shiplap, or tongue-and-groove pattern without any problems.
What is drop channel siding?
Drop channel siding is beneficial because it provides the wood with plenty of room to contract and to expand without the structure of the siding being damaged. Additionally, there is visual interest in the form of a shadow line, thanks to how these boards line up. For a rustic look, use knotty pine that is rough-hewn and have it milled into this type of siding. Otherwise, it is possible to use most any wood with this siding. As long as it is washed and painted or sealed on a regular basis, it will last for a long time.
Why is pine siding bad?
This is due to the way that the tree grows and is something to consider. Another problem with pine siding is that it is not resistant to rot.
Why do people use wood siding?
Wood siding is a popular option for home exteriors because of its timeless, classic look. It’s enough to make homeowners feel secure and grounded in their own homes. Wood is also biodegradable so it’s one way to lead a green lifestyle. Many homeowners save from installation costs by installing their own wood siding.
Why is hardwood siding important?
As a siding, it is valued because of the uninterrupted contact that the boards have as well as the finished look that you will enjoy with this siding.
Why do you need to know the name of the siding on your house?
Identifying the name of the siding on your house can help you immensely as you search for the inevitable replacements you’ll need over the years due to repairs and rot.
What is rustic siding?
Typically face nailed like other horizontal wood siding, rustic siding contains a shiplap inspired rabbet in the bottom and a flat section at the top of each piece that mates to the rabbet of the piece above.
What is bevel siding?
Similar in appearance to clapboard siding, bevel siding is a flat board cut into an isosceles triangle and attached horizontally to the wall with the thicker side toward the bottom.
Why is V groove siding nailed?
V-groove siding was often nailed through the tongue to hide the fasteners but it can also be face nailed like the rest of the self-spacing siding options above.
What is clapboard siding?
One of the simplest forms of wood siding, clapboard are essentially just solid dimensioned lumber that are installed horizontally in a shingling effect from the bottom to the top of the wall.
How wide is clapboard?
Some of the most popular are 6″ and 8″ widths. Historically, clapboard was face nailed through both boards at the overlap, but unless the board are vertical grain old-growth wood it’s wisest to nail through only on board with each nail to allow for movement of the wood.
What were the early settlements' log cabins?
The early settler’s made log cabins and while these were extremely popular they were a terribly inefficient use of wood since builders would use the whole log as the siding and structure. That log could have been milled into more siding boards and as America grew up and technology improved, home construction improved as well.
What is siding terminology?
Siding Terminology: A Glossary of Siding Terms You Should Know. When buying siding for your home, you may run across some strange terms that you may have never heard before. Instead of ignoring this home improvement speak, learn to understand it. Some of these siding terms might help you better understand what kind of siding you’re looking for.
What is course of siding?
A course of siding refers to one row of siding that runs the length of an exterior wall. Multiple “courses” of siding are used to fill up an exterior wall.
What is a furring strip?
Furring strips are wooden strips that are sometimes attached to the exterior of a house for the siding to attached to. They can also be used to straighten surfaces on the exterior of your home that are not perfectly flat.
What is backerboard siding?
Backerboard is the panel that is nailed to the studs of the exterior walls of your home. The backerboard (usually plywood) allows for siding to be fastened to it.
What is the part of a house where the exterior walls meet the roofline?
The part where the exterior walls meet the roofline of a house. Soffits are usually vented to allow air to come in and out while still preventing water from coming in.
What is the bottom portion of vinyl siding?
The bottom portion of a panel of vinyl siding that locks into a previous panel that was just installed. This keeps the siding from moving around. This is probably not the best name ever given!
What is batten siding?
Batten. A strip of wood that seals joints in wooden siding. Modern “board and batten” siding refers to the old wood siding that had “boards” and “battens” to fill the gaps between the boards. Battens are the smaller part that go between the boards.
What is siding lingo?
Every industry has its own vocabulary. If you plan to have work done on your house, or are a DIYer who takes care of most repairs, a knowledge of the lingo will help you navigate the project and negotiate with the experts. Here are some siding terms that will help you keep the communication clear and everyone on the same page.
What is a plank siding?
This is a type of siding that uses overlapping planks attached horizontally on the wall. The planks may be tapered or evenly milled.
What punch will crimp siding?
Sometimes, the part of a siding plank that locks it into place has been removed. To make it fit into the plank next to it, it must be mashed. A snaplock punch will crimp the siding.
What is drip cap on siding?
This trim will deflect water from the top surface of siding that has been installed vertically . This keep water from seeping behind the planks. Often, a drip cap is used over doors and windows funnel water away from those openings.
What angle does a trim piece join siding?
This trim piece joins siding courses at a 90 degree angle on the outside corner.
What is inside corner on siding?
When making a 90-degree turn with siding, the “inside corner” is a trim piece that connects the courses.
What is a strip of wood or metal attached to?
This strip of wood or metal is attached to brick, stucco, or old siding. These strips will receive the nails from the new siding.
What is shingle siding?
Traditionally, shingle siding, sometimes also called shake siding, is individual cuts of wood of varying widths. Modern shingle siding comes in materials such as low maintenance fiber cement and is often manufactured in panels, which helps make it easier to install while maintaining the traditional aesthetic.
What is Lap Siding?
One of the most popular siding styles, lap siding, also called clapboard, is any type of siding installed horizontally on your home. The boards are installed from the bottom up so they overlap each other. This type of siding can come in many different textures and colors.
What is Siding Exposure?
Sometimes referred to as the reveal, siding exposure is the visible space between the bottoms of adjacent rows of siding. This term is most frequently used when describing lap siding. Exposure differs from the total height of your siding planks because rows of siding will slightly overlap each other during installation.
What is Soffit?
The soffit is the underside of any construction element. The word is also used to describe the material used to cover the exposed surface beneath the overhang of a roof. James Hardie’s HardieSoffit® Panels come in a range of textures and venting options, which you can explore here.
What is Fascia?
A fascia is a band that runs horizontally under the edge of a roof. On a house, it is the fascia that usually caps the ends of rafters and sometimes holds the gutter.
What is a dormer?
Dormer – A structure that protrudes from the plane of the roof slope, often with the addition of windows.
What is the gable on a house?
Gable – The upper portion of your home’s exterior wall that comes to a triangular point at the ridge of a sloping roof.
What is a fiberglass mat?
Fiberglass Mat – Fibers condensed into strong, resilient mats for use in roofing materials.
What is asphalt used for?
Asphalt – A bituminous waterproofing agent used in various types of roofing materials
What is flashing in plumbing?
Flashing – Material (often made of sheet metal) designed to waterproof the area around projections such as chimneys, vent pipes, and valleys.
What is granules in roofing?
Granules – Crushed rock that is coated with a ceramic coating and fired, used as top surface on shingles.
What is drip edge?
Drip edge – A strip of material (typically metal) installed along the roof edges so water won’t drip onto the eaves, siding, or deck.
What is rough sawn plywood called?
Rough-sawn plywood, called Texture 1-11 (or T1-11), has been a popular siding option for many years. However, this product can buckle, warp, or even come apart if it is not installed correctly and kept well sealed.
How long is a typical sheet of siding?
The sides have shiplap edges so that one piece laps onto its neighbor. The most common panel size is 4 by 8 feet, but sheets 10 and 12 feet long are also available and are worth the extra weight if they eliminate horizontal butt joints.
